December 10, 2014: Keep the Faith

Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. Indeed, by faith our ancestors received approval. By faith we understand that the worlds were prepared by the word of God, so that what is seen was made from things that are not visible.

Keep the Faith

“Keep the faith.”

I often wear a mustard seed necklace. The first mustard seed I received as a little girl was from my great-grandmother. She told me the story from Matthew and assured me there would be times in life when my faith felt that size, but that was all I needed. Since then I have had my share of tests, and yes, that was all I needed.

“Keep the faith.”

The last time I remember hearing that, it was Pastor Dave’s voice through the phone Michael held over my hospital bed in New York. I was in and out of consciousness and, in hindsight, it was probably directed to Michael, but I claimed it.

“Keep the faith.”

“The assurance of things hoped for…” Many of us are struggling with physical, mental and emotional issues and we pray for resolutions with which we can live. Many of us pray for intercession but must realize that, although “God always answers our prayers, the answer can be: yes, no, maybe later or are you kidding?” (KBB)

“Keep the faith.”

In this Advent Season, when there is so much wrong with the world, I’m looking to my faith for the assurance that I can do something to make the world better for somebody. More broadly, I’m praying for world peace and social justice. Want to join me?

Kathleen Colbert

Prayer:Heavenly Father, strengthen my faith this Advent Season by using me to do your will. Amen.